NH news from around the web - Updated 5/1

NH school construction project fails inspectionMERIDEN, N.H. - A new 40-thousand square foot field house under construction in Meriden, New Hampshire is now being torn down. State and federal inspectors determined the facility's cement footings were not properly installed. The original contract with the contractor has been terminated and a lawsuit has been filed in Sullivan County Superior Court. The school is trying to recoup its losses.

ChristianToday.com: US: Gay priest in running to replace Gene RobinsonThe Rev William W Rich, a married homosexual, is senior associate rector at Trinity Church in Boston, and is one of the three candidates for the position of bishop. Rich holds a doctoral degree in psychology and religion and has also been a lecturer at Union Theological Seminary in New York, the Boston Globe reported.

Couponing and the Modern Savings Model – Interview with Linkable Networks CEO, Tom BurgessThe coupon industry has come a long way from the nostalgic days of my grandmother clipping coupons from Manchester, New Hampshire's Union Leader newspaper. In some ways, it's even become "cool." With all the daily deals sites and tight economic times, the industry is burgeoning. Technorati spoke with Linkable Networks CEO, Tom Burgess, about the industry trends.

Closed Groveton mill continues to cost Wassau millions a year on natural gas contractThe Paper segment reported a first-quarter operating profit of $0.3 million, including a charge of $3.3 million relating to a natural gas transportation contract at the previously closed manufacturing facility in Groveton, New Hampshire. On a comparable basis in the prior year, Paper achieved an operating profit of $0.6 million, including pre-tax charges of $3.3 million in capital-related expense.

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Historic Balsams resort putting items up for auctionIt's closed for renovations, but the stately northern New Hampshire resort where the first-in-the-nation presidential primary ballots have been cast for 50 years is auctioning off bedroom sets, antiques, dining equipment _ and a 96-chair ski lift.

The 'Father of America' is given the reins of his countryThe only other man than George Washington who came close to being unanimously elected was James Monroe, who ran virtually unopposed in his second term. New Hampshire senator, William Plumer gave his vote to Secretary of State John Quincy Adams instead of Monroe.

NHSUPCO - New Hampshire v. Thomas Willey <<< Sex assault conviction affirmed, but sentence is vacated and case is remanded for resentencing. IV. Conclusion - The majority opinion is in disharmony with the traditional deference owed to the sentencing judge, who is, after all, in the best position to evaluate the nature and severity of the crime and the likelihood that the offender will re-offend. Although I have little doubt that the immediate result of today's remand will be simply to have the trial judge reaffirm more solemnly than she has done already that she really and truly did not consider improper sentencing factors, the implications of this case for the future are unfortunate. By showing a willingness to single out what is, at most, an arguably imprecise word or phrase in the judge's remarks and subject it to the most exacting scrutiny for the mere possibility it could reflect improper sentencing factors, we have effectively sent a message to sentencing judges that “the less said, the better.” Candor at the sentencing phase should not be so readily discouraged.

Al Gore at Hampshire College: Global warming is realJust before Gore spoke, he was introduced by Hampshire alumnus Gary Hirshberg, co-founder of the New Hampshire-based Stonyfield Farm, who announced a $1 million donation to the college for its commitment to the environment.

Will Social Security Last for Gen X, Y, Z?While some are sounding the alarm bell, Steve Gorin, the executive director of the New Hampshire Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, says the news is not surprising, given the recent recession. According to Gorin, fixing the projected shortfall would not take much effort.

Equal-pay plaintiff campaigns for Obama in NHHANOVER, N.H.—Campaigning for President Barack Obama in New Hampshire, the Alabama woman whose lawsuit led to the federal pay equity law that bears her name said Monday that voters shouldn't trust statements by Republican Mitt Romney that he doesn't plan to change the law if elected president.

Ted Wright: Marijuana may help save my wife's lifeThe Phase I clinical trial that she is undergoing has proven to be quite miraculous, but it has one drawback. It makes her constantly nauseated and, as a result, anorexic. I recently watched helplessly as she had to swallow the vomit that contained the life-giving treatment in order to make sure that she benefited from it. One can only imagine such a horror, and certainly no one should have to endure it! None of the anti-emetic drugs available to her work in her case. At the advice of the staff at Dana-Farber and of a friend, she tried marijuana and it worked almost immediately!

UNH plays host to ECCCC cycling tournament where ‘Cats finish secondCyclists from more than 50 colleges battled strong headwinds this weekend as more than 400 participants competed in the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference Championship, at the University of New Hampshire. It was the first year UNH has hosted the conference championship, which brought in hundreds of spectators to the Durham area to cheer on the riders.

Students face discipline for racist tweets about Joel WardA spokeswoman for New Hampshire's Franklin Pierce University said a student's tweet used "vile racial slurs." A statement from the university said the school considered that "a matter of grave concern" and promised "we are taking immediate action." MORE